Panama bans sale of heated tobacco and vaping products

Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo promulgated Law 315 of June 30, 2022, which prohibits the use, importation and commercialization of electronic nicotine delivery systems, with or without nicotine, as well as heated tobacco devices.[1].

Panama thus joins a list of almost 40 countries in the world that prohibit the marketing of electronic cigarettes with or without nicotine.

The proposal, presented by MP Crispiano Adames (Democratic Revolutionary Party), had been approved on March 19, 2020, but had been vetoed by the President. The parliamentarians had debated and adopted this text again, which had been vetoed again by the President. However, on the third initiative, the text was adopted on July 8, 2021 and has just been confirmed by the President.

Similarly, the purchase or promotion of these devices on the Internet is prohibited. The Health Code provides for sanctions against any person who violates these provisions.

Latin American countries are at the forefront of regulating these products

Several other Latin American countries prohibit or restrict the marketing and promotion of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products through resolutions, decrees or laws.[2].

For the Mexican president, who signed a decree On May 31, World No Tobacco Day, banning the marketing and circulation of electronic cigarettes, these products cannot be considered less risky alternatives. In Brazil, the sale, importation and advertising of any electronic device for smoking (vaping and heated tobacco) is prohibited under a resolution 2009 from the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

Argentina prohibits the importation, distribution, marketing and advertising of all vaping products. In Uruguay, Decree 534/2009 prohibits the marketing, importation, registration as a trademark or patent and advertising of all vaping products and heated tobacco.

In March 2021, the Chilean Senate passed a bill to amend the Tobacco Law and regulate the sale, advertising and consumption of electronic cigarettes, prohibiting their sale to minors. This project is awaiting discussion in the Chamber of Deputies.

Keywords: Panama, Latin America, vaping, electronic cigarette, heated tobacco, ban

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[1] Francisco Paz, Panama has a list of 40 countries that restrict the use of electronic cigars, Panama America, published July 3, 2022, accessed July 5, 2022

[2] Examples of countries in the Latin American region that prohibit tobacco products and nicotine administration systems, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, accessed July 5, 2022